Top 10 Dunk Competition Dunks

Welcome NBA fans! You are moments away from finding out who scored the greatest-ever dunk competition dunks. The Slam Dunk Contest headlines as one of the most-hyped events on the basketball calendar (among others), and we all know why. Ready for some magic? Let's start shooting some hoops!

#10 – Jason Richardson

Back in 2003, Jason Richardson impressed the judges with an awesome display of basketball prowess. The Warriors shooting guard was a superstar in 2002 and again in 2003, after winning consecutive slam dunk contests. His performance in 2003 was regarded as the better of the two, and a testament to the enduring brilliance of Richardson. What makes this achievement even more incredible is the fact that he was competing against high-impact players like Desmond Mason – a former champion.

#9 – Vince Carter  

Back in 2000, Vince Carter blazed a trail on the court like never before. Those who witnessed it have claimed that it was the best ever performance in a slam dunk contest. Carter is now (2020) playing in his 22nd NBA season – the last of his career. But what he did at the Oakland Arena two decades ago was beyond exceptional. Basketball experts believe that he should be recognized for his superhuman performances, and memorialized with a formal tribute to his brilliance. He defied the laws of gravity, and he learned to fly better than David Copperfield ever could!

#8 – Spud Webb

With a name like Spud, you don't expect much in the height department. But Spud Webb was a legendary player. Considering that his hands were too small to palm the ball, it's astounding that he performed so well in this Slam Dunk Contest. All 5'7" of him impressed the crowd so much back in 1986 with his 360-Dunk in a head-to-head showdown against fellow teammate Dominic Williams. He became the shortest champion in the history of NBA Slam Dunk Contests. What a guy!

#7 – Michael Jordan

MJ produced a scintillating series of slam dunks back in 1988. As the reigning champion in the Slam Dunk Contest, Jordan got to go toe to toe against Dominique Wilkins in a battle royale for dominance. Of course, it helped when Jordan was playing in front of the home crowd in Chicago, but his performances left fans awestruck. Jordan began with the reverse windmill, followed by his opponent's 360-Tomahawk Dunk. At that stage, D led by 2 points – 96-94. Fast forward to the semifinals – Jordan is in top flight. He landed a knockout with arguably the best dunk ever from the free-throw line. Make no mistake about it, Dominique Wilkins was awesome too!

#6 – Nate Robinson

Nate Robinson has something in common with Spud Webb – they're both shorties on the NBA court. That didn't stop Robinson from competing in the 2006 Slam Dunk Contest. At 5'9", Robinson performed spectacularly well. The Knicks guard won on what many consider to be a highly controversial NBA Slam Dunk Competition. This was also the first of 3 Slam Dunk Contest wins for Nate Robinson.

#5 – Dwight Howard Superman!

In 2008, Dwight Howard put on an extravaganza! He donned a Superman cape and vest and flew through the air like the man of steel himself. Dwight Howard is a showman par excellence. What looked like suspended animation for a split second was actually Dwight Howard soaring through the air and dunking like a true Superman.  

#4 – Zach LaVine

Let's fast forward now as we evaluate the performance of Zach LaVine from UCLA, in the 2015 Slam Dunk contest. At just 19 years old, he was ready to go!  LaVine nailed it with a 50, with 10 from each of the 5 judges. It was a space-jam performance with Jordan on his back and acrobatics from another realm. Simply the best!

#3 – Blake Griffin

We’re getting close! Blake Griffin leapt over a Kia to win the 2011 NBA Dunk Contest. Don't believe us? It's 100% legit!  The video is proof of this magnificent feat of gravity-defying prowess. Number 32  flew over the car and the crowds went wild!

#2 – Aaron Gordon

It's time to turn up the heat! Aaron Gordon of the Orlando Magic performed spectacularly in 2016, only to be pipped at the post by Zach LaVine. In 2020 Gordon and Derek Jones Jr went toe to toe in the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest in Chicago. Unfortunately, Gordon’s 5 consecutive slams, each with 50s, couldn't gain the recognition of analysts, celebrities and players and LaVine ultimately won. The Twitter reaction was fierce, and everyone thought Gordon should have nailed it.

#1 – Dee Brown

Imagine dunking with your eyes closed? That's like blind man's bluff. Dee Brown’s ‘no look effort’ was spectacular. He competed in one of Dunks in1991 with his eyes closed. Who in their right mind would do such a thing? Dee Brown is immensely talented, and deserving of his championship title for the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk contest.

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*Photo Accreditation to Eric Gay and AP